Accessory review: Xperia Play DK300 multimedia dock

Desk clutter is always something to be avoided, and smartphone stands have long been a great way to stop expensive chunks of technology from getting getting in your way as you go about your business. Alongside the Xperia Play, the first PlayStation-certified smartphone, Sony Ericsson has launched the DK300 multimedia dock, which keeps your Play safely locked in place, while adding some interesting new functionality.

Physically, the DK300's glossy plastic shell matches the look of the Xperia Play. On the whole, it looks good, though like anything made out of shiny black plastic, it's a magnet for fingerprints, smudges and dust. The Xperia Play drops into the DK300 in landscape orientation, and its micro-USB and headphone jack ports lock it in place. Once the phone detects the DK300, it switches into "nightstand" mode, giving you a large clock and weather display, alongside links to the gallery, music and alarm apps, as well as the launcher.

Around the back of the dock, you'll find an additional micro-USB port and headphone jack, allowing you to easily hook up the Xperia Play to a charger, computer or external speakers. Thanks to the fact that the dock works in landscape orientation, you're free to play back video content as well as music, though gaming using the built-in gamepad is probably out of the question.

Our only real beef with the DK300 is its RRP, which is definitely a on the steep side at £29.99 (~$45). However, if you shop around you'll be able to pick one up for as little as £15 (~$23). If you do, you'll find it's a great way to extend the multimedia capability of your Xperia Play, while making charging a little easier and freeing up surface space.

Join us after the jump for more photos of the DK300 multimedia dock for Xperia Play.

I got one of these with my play, and one thing worth mentioning is that the headphone jack can make it a bit awkward to to get the phone into the dock at times (when compared to my old Droid-2 dock). I find myself "sliding" the phone around until I get it to just the right spot so I can dock it.

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